Weston maintain winning run

WESTON maintained their unbeaten run and top spot in Premier Two with a hard-fought victory against Goatacre at Devonshire Road.

Having chosen to bat, Goatacre lost Edward Wilkins in the first over as Rob Turner caught him at second slip off the bowling of Tom Main. Inconsistency allowed Goatacre to score freely and with extras building they had reached 50-1 at the 10 over mark.

The introduction of spin helped dry up the runs and Ashley Allen soon removed Murphy, sharply caught behind by John Davidson, who was in the game again a couple of overs later as a stumping off Sam Trego reduced them to 59-3.

Visiting captain Bradley Dawson (32) joined Ed Kilbee and after the drinks break they began attacking the bowlers. Dawson looked dangerous until he danced past a Shabil Ahmed delivery for Davidson to stump him, the partnership worth a valuable 80.

Jonathon Wilkins had a brief stay at the crease as Edd Brown’s 60-yard direct hit ran him out. Kilbee was still looking solid, but with no-one able to stay with him, he had to slow his scoring. Tom Court returned at the death and he picked up three wickets in an excellent spell.

In the final over, Kilbee hit two sixes to complete an excellent 100, all the more important when only two other batsmen reached double figures. John Davidson had another excellent display with his dismissals coming at crucial times in the match.

With Sam Trego returning at the top of the order, it was no surprise to see a boundary filled opening spell. Georgio Rigali saw the full force of this as Trego hit him out of the attack with three consecutive boundaries.

When Trego was caught for a quick-fire 51, Weston were 69-1 after just 13 overs. However, a tumble of wickets brought Goatacre back into the game and with Dawson bowling an excellent spell of leg spin, Brown and Gary Morgan had to work hard for every run.

Their partnership of 47 was invaluable, but with another 56 to score when Morgan (22) mistimed one to mid-off, the game was in the balance. John Davidson joined Brown and the pair crept closer to victory with Brown bringing up his half century in the process.

Brown was removed by Gibbens, but with a strong batting line up this brought Fear to the wicket and with consecutive boundaries to Davidson (23 notout) and bowling extras, Weston reached the total with 37 balls to spare.

Edd Brown’s vital 56 showed real determination, but for their all-round performances, the IntouchCRM man of the match was shared by Sam Trego and John Davidson.

GOATACRE

E Kilbee not out 107

E Wilkins c Turner b Main 0

R Murphy c J Davidson b Allen 19

J Haines st Davidson b Trego 1

B Dawson st Davidson b Ahmed 32

J Wilkins run out 1

J Tillyer lbw Court 3

G Rigali b Court 5

S Parish c Fear b Allen 1

D Ellis b Court 0

C Gibbens not out 4

Extras 22

Total (9 wkts) 195

Bowling: T Main 10-0-61-1; T Court 9-0-39-3; A Fear 1-0-7-0; S Trego 10-3-26-1; A Allen 10-3-31-2; S Ahmed 10-0-29-1.

WESTON

S Trego c Kilbee b Murphy 51

R Turner lbw Dawson 17

S Ahmed c Parish b Dawson 1

E Brown b Gibbens 56

C Davidson c Kilbee b Wilkins 0

G Morgan c Dawson b Rigali 22

J Davidson not out 23

A Fear not out 1

Extras 28

Total (6 wkts) 199

WEPL Premier 2

W L A Pts

Weston 4 0 1 88

Minehead 3 1 1 78

Chard 3 2 0 71

Glastonbury 3 2 0 70

Taunton Deane 2 3 0 63

Gloucester City 2 2 1 61

Thornbury 2 3 0 58

Goatacre 2 3 0 53

Cheltenham 1 3 1 40

Warminster 1 4 0 34

This weekend sees the first XI look to consolidate their position at the top of WEPL Premier Two when they take the trip up the up M5 to play Gloucester (12.30pm start).

The seconds look to return to winning ways as they host their Bridgwater counterparts at Devonshire Road (1.30pm), while the 3rd XI make the short trip to play Cheddar 2nds (2pm). The fourth team also have a local derby, as they host Banwell & Churchill 2nds (2pm).

On Sunday, the Sunday League XI host Beckington (2pm), while the club also plays host to Somerset Under-12s v Wales (1pm). As always, spectators are welcome at all games.